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How Much is Too Much

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Buzzed driving is drunk driving – just because someone may have had only one or two drinks does not mean they are OK to drive. Consuming alcohol can impair judgment and make people less likely to make the best decision for the safety of themselves and others. As a result, they may think they are OK to drive when they are not.

Alcohol slows a driver’s reaction time, reduces their ability to properly gauge speed or distance from other objects and makes it difficult for them to focus on the road.

Sometimes, one or two drinks are all it takes to impair someone’s ability to drive. Alcohol steadily decreases a person’s ability to drive a motor vehicle. The more you drink, the greater the effect.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Texas law makes it illegal for someone with a blood alcohol content – or BAC – of 0.08 percent or higher to drive a vehicle. Some people may reach this limit after only one or two drinks, depending on their body size and other factors. Driving “buzzed” with a BAC less than 0.08 can also be a form of impaired driving and dangerous. Drivers can be stopped and arrested by law enforcement when impaired -- regardless of BAC. Impaired drivers risk killing, disabling, disfiguring and injuring themselves and others.

PLAN A SOBER RIDE

Planning ahead for a sober ride is the best way to ensure you get home safely. Don’t wait until after you have started drinking. Designate a driver or arrange for someone you trust to pick you up. That also applies to others you know. If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and find them a sober ride home.

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WHAT'S THE DEAL?

More than 1000 people in Texas are killed in alcohol-related crashes every year. Not cool. Drinking and driving can also land you in jail and lead to a consequences you can't even imagine. Alcohol and asphalt don't mix. If you're drinking, don't get behind the wheel and take a chance on being arrested or hurting yourself or someone else. Drinking and driving isn't worth it. Find a sober ride!

A DWI COSTS $17,000?

The cost of a DWI in Texas ranges from place to place.See how the costs could add up:

Car towing and impounding fees: $170.

Bail: Up to $2,500.

Court costs: $580.

Attorney fees: $5,000 to $9,000.

A hearing to regain your driver’s license: $373.

Surcharge to retain your driver’s license: $1,000.

DWI fine: $2,000.

Probation visits: $1,400.

Alcohol education course: $185.

Extended proof of insurance: $75.

Various other fees: $$$

GRAND TOTAL: ABOUT $17,000

What's the Law?

UNDER 21

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, have or drink alcohol in any way shape or form. That means it's illegal to drive with ANY alcohol in your system. Here's what happens the first time you’re snagged for driving under the influence (DUI).

OVER 21

In Texas the legal limit for intoxication is .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, drivers can be stopped and cited when impaired regardless of BAC. Here’s what happens the first time you're busted driving while intoxicated (DWI).

First DUI Offense

Up to a $500 fine

60-day driver's license suspension

20 to 40 hours of community service

Mandatory alcohol awareness classes

First DWI Offense

Up to six months behind bars

Up to a $2,000 fine

Loss of driver's license up to a year

$1,000 surcharge for three years to retain driver's license

If you're caught drunk in the driver's seat (.08 BAC or higher) you can also face DWI criminal penalties.